President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dispatched a high-powered delegation to the Niger Delta for stakeholder engagements and on-the spot assessment of the fight against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.
The delegation led by the Honourable Minister of Defence comprised of the Honourable Ministers of State for Defence, Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Permanent Secretary Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Air Staff, representative of the Chief Army Staff, Commander Operation Delta Safe, representative of the DG DSS, SA to the President on Energy, NNPC Ltd. leadership team, Commission and Authority Chief Executives.
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Barely 24 hours after inspecting the Port Harcourt Refinery and Petrochemicals Complex to assess start-up readiness, the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Permanent Secretary Ministry of Petroleum Resources, and the NNPC Limited team led by the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mallam Mele Kyari, the Executive Vice President Upstream, Engr. Adokiye Tombomieye, and the Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Mr. Bala Wunti were also part of the delegation.
The joint mission started at the Nigerian Airforce Base Port Harcourt from where the delegation proceeded to the Rivers State Government House to pay a courtesy call on the Governor of Rivers State.
The Honourable Minister of Defence, His Excellency Muhammed Badaru addressed the press shortly after a closed-door meeting with the Governor stating the objectives of the delegation and the charge by Mr President to stem crude oil theft in Nigeria.
“ We are ready to do whatever it takes for a peaceful Niger-Delta, give peace a chance, cease and desist crude oil theft and economic sabotage”. He said
They observed illegal connections costing the country million dollar losses . The damage at one location in Owaza in Abia State is costing Nigeria a loss of 7.2 million dollars per month. NNPC GCEO noted that while Oil theft in vessels can be tracked, the Host Communities must play a vital role in curbing oil theft within their communities where oil facilities are situated. “This , Honourable Minister are part of reasons why we cannot meet our OPEC quota”, he added.
The Community Security Contractors were also on ground to brief the delegation on recent successes and challenges encountered
According the Chief Security Officer of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Patrick Godwin arrests have been made and some culprits have been prosecuted.
Upon return to the Airforce base, the delegation embarked on an overflight over Owaza, Bille, Azuzuama, Ahoada, Rumuekepe Ebocha, Abacheke, Egbema, Ohaji, and Koko communities of Abia, Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo and Delta states.
At Owaza the team visited the Trans-Niger Pipeline Right of Way where an array of dismantled illegal connections where observed.
After a ground assessment of illegal connection points and destroyed illegal refineries, the NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu applauded the role of the Government Security Forces, Community Security Contractors, and NNPC Limited in stepping up the fight against crude oil theft and economic sabotage that profits only a few citizens he rightly labelled as criminals and bandits.
He echoed the message of the lead of the delegation “enough is enough, the environment is being destroyed, livelihoods are being destroyed and the Federation is deprived of revenue capable of shoring up the economy and strengthening the Naira”
During the aerial assessment, the delegation gained first-hand insights into the progress of the war on crude oil theft in the Niger Delta. They observed clandestine refineries, illegal bunkering operations, and the scale of environmental devastation, collectively translating into severe economic losses for the country.
The visit was also an opportunity for the delegation to show their presence in the communities and assess the gravity of the situation and the critical need to strengthen collaboration for a comprehensive solution.
The Community Security Contractors were also on ground to brief the delegation on recent successes and challenges encountered.
The joint participation of the Ministers, the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs, Oil and Gas Industry Regulators, and The NPC Limited leadership underscores the unity of purpose among various stakeholders to combat the large scale economic sabotage holding the entire country to ransom.
